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Monday, 23 April 2018

NHAI plans tram network along Dwarka Expressway

New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is exploring the option of putting a tram or light rail transport system along the Urban Extension Road-II, which will connect NH-1, NH-10 and NH-8, and the upcoming Dwarka Expressway. The road stretches have a combined length of about 83 km.

"The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is providing us 90 metres right of way (RoW) for building the UER-II. We will need 60 metres for constructing the road and another 20 metres for greenery. So, we have another 10 metres available for laying track for tram or any other mass public transport facility," an NHAI official said. Similarly, enough land will be available along the Dwarka Expressway.
Officials said the NHAI will soon start a feasibility study to find the traffic demand and which mode of light rail transit will be viable for this stretch. They added that planning such a mode of transport would be timely.

Sources said the road transport ministry is also looking at it as a pilot to try a public transport facility along the NHs since the stretch will be a big corridor connecting the three major national highways. A faster and cleaner mode of transport will also bring other economic and environmental benefits.
Both the UER-II and Dwarka Expressway are being developed under the new flagship highway programme Bharatmala. Officials said these were priority projects for NHAI.

However, people who have bought houses along Dwarka Expressway have been protesting against the NHAI for delay in construction of the road.

NHAI officials said it will take about two years to complete the project. "Land acquisition for a small portion is underway. We have received bids for one package of the project and work will start soon. We have redesigned the expressway," the official said.